30+ Workers who love their jobs share why: 'It's all about the people and the management'

Author image for Brad Dickson
Brad Dickson • Managing Editor
Feb 2, 2024 7:00 AM EST

Let's be real here—you'll hate most of the jobs you have in your life. There are a lot of things that need to line up to make spending 40+ hours a week with strangers you'd rather not be with, whilst at a place you would rather not be at, and taking orders from a person you'd rather didn't exist, something you'd actually enjoy doing. Yeah, there's a whole lot not to like about the entire arrangement—except getting paid, that's pretty sweet—so it's no surprise that most people absolutely despise going to work.

So—how, then, is it that some people have managed to find jobs they actually liked? Some people only for a short while, and others for their entire working careers… Well, it seems that the secret ingredient here is either having a job doing something you really like, working with people you actually like, or not having to communicate, listen to, or even acknowledge the existence of other people at all.

Advertisement
  • 01

    Why do some people love their jobs? Find out from these first hand experiences!

    Cheezburger Image 9875047680
    via Clay Banks
  • 02
    CelticStarShipArtist 16 hr. ago. edited 16 hr. ago I was a toy designer for about 45 years and loved it. I designed the first twelve Star Wars figures and a bunch of Hot Wheels. I'm retired now and painting. Reply Share 11.5k alexisrose27. 15 hr. ago Everyone, there's a legend walking among us! 3.4k Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 03
    buckeyemountain. 15 hr. ago When I was in high school I worked at an amusement park called Kings Island. There was a ride called White Water Canyon. They had me sit in this shed back in the woods and I'd get to launch water cannons at people as they floated by on their boats. It was the best job ever! I would sit back there eating snacks and drenching people. I'm an electrician now, I like it just fine but nothing compares to the water cannon job 3.2k Reply Share 543 ●●● CHUNKY_BLOODY QUEEFS 14
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 04
    lillthmoon 16 hr. ago Pizza shop when I was 17. Worked there until I was 22. Met my husband there, my first baby got to run around the place, met some of the friends I still have to this day. The bond we made over that place is incredible. It closed down years ago but every few years we all still get together and hang out. The pizza shop turned into a bar, so we meet there. That place will forever be special to me Reply Share 2.4k equityorasset. 14 hr. ago thank you for sharing, i enjoyed readin
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 05
    DanceSex 16 hr. ago In high school I worked in a non-chain pizza shop. The owner was NEVER there and it was just me and my 3 best friends running a pizza shop, not sure how we didn't put it out of business. But my goodness it was so fun. 1.1k Reply Share Berneagh 12 hr. ago . ... I would watch this wholesome and nostalgic sitcom ↑ 301 ↓ Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 06
    Icy-Material-3900 16 hr. ago · edited 9 hr. ago I once had a job as a freelance proofreader for a publishing company. I loved every minute of my job. I love it so much, I probably should have paid them for letting me do the job. Anyway, I eventually had to quit because I decided I needed a more lucrative job. So I went to law school, became a lawyer ... made the money, and eventually retired. Now I proofread for free at a site called Distributed Proofreaders (https://www.pgdp.net/c/default.php)
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 07
    FuckChiefs_Raiders 16 hr. ago It's all about the people and the management. Your job could be scooping and digging ditches, but if the people you work with are awesome, you have a boss who supports you and wants to you do well at work and beyond, and you have good benefits; that's a great job. Reply Share ✩ 3.9k 3.9k ●●● notbrokenjustbent432 16 hr. ago I had this same conversation a few days ago when asked why I was leaving my job! 484 Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 08
    BillySquid 16 hr. ago Software engineer for that Danish company that make plastic bricks... I love very minute. 1.5k Reply Share Edith Whartons Farts 15 hr. ago 696 . ●●● I wish you would tell us the name of the company, but I'll lego of that dream. Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 09
    beekeysword 16 hr. ago I'm a sign language interpreter, I love my work 1.1k Intricate Enigma 16 hr. ago Reply Share ENTERTAINMENT This is so cool. Care to elaborate a bit on how you got into this occupation? Reply Share 103 . ●●● RawDogEntertainment 15 hr. ago · They saw a sign and the rest was history ↑ 463 ↓ Reply Share ●●●
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 10
    CirclingBackElectra 16 hr. ago I tend to like most of my jobs for about the first six months, before I realise it's a soul crushing as the last job I had 4.0k ↓ Reply Share ●●● GMEBagholder420 OP 16 hr. ago This is too real 648 Reply Share ●●●
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 11
    These-Grape-7000 - 16 hr. ago No necessarily the job itself, but the place I work. Smaller office where you are not expected to just grind. You can have a good time while still getting work done. You are not monitored by a clock and treated like an adult to make up time, if need be. You are given flexibility when it comes to family emergencies or child care issues, doctors appointments as well as needing to run a personal errand. There are bi monthly luncheons, random get togethers and everyone
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 12
    LeatherHog 16 hr. ago My job cleaning tables at the largest cafeteria at NDSU It was easy, the boss treated us humanely, and got 5 free meals a week and all the drinks I wanted Even had a performance review so good they let me be one of the caterers for a charity even held by Shaq
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 13
    People sucked, plenty of people would make messes in front of us and give us because it was our job to clean for them Reminder, these were adults But the boss was good. Let us sit down during quiet times 142 142 Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 14
    [deleted] 16 hr. ago Pet daycare: very little people, easy work, pool for dogs, dog playground ↑ 619 ↓ Reply Share scoobysquaw 16 hr. ago I worked at one once, enjoyed it except my boss was terrible and coworkers. were toxic. 142 Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 15
    gimme3strokes · 16 hr. ago I worked as a pool cleaner in Southern California for a summer, and it was great! I wore shorts, a t shirt, and flip flops all day long. It was me and the owner in a little Nissan pickup, that's it. We went to Carl's Junior for lunch, smoked some weed, and went back to work. I think we only ever saw a few of the homeowners. I genuinely looked forward to going to work every day. Worst thing we ever had to do was pull a few dead rats and a few used condoms out of the ski
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 16
    maybeitsbpd 16 hr. ago Pet sitting - low stress because I don't take on dogs w aggression. I mainly hang out with cats all day and take 1-2 walks with my dog clients/day. 370 Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 17
    SewnApart 15 hr. ago . I was furloughed during Covid and was paid 80% salary to stay home and that was the only job I've ever liked. 99 ↓ Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 18
    SthrnCros 16 hr. ago 2 summers as a skipper sailing round Greece and Croatia. Hard not to love doing that, but not for everybody and not forever... 276 Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 19
    No-Sir-4962 - 16 hr. ago Sort of? First grade teacher. I loved the actual work but I hated the politics and the pay. 341 Reply Share dontbeahater_dear 15 hr. ago . ●●● I'm a librarian so samesies! I love the kids though, they are the best. Class visits are my favourite ↑ 81 ↓ Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 20
    frizbeeguy1980 - 16 hr. ago Air traffic controller, and very much enjoy it. 480 Reply Share Water-Donkey · 16 hr. ago Also ATC, also very much enjoy it. Buuuutttt........it depends on where you work and the overall attitude of the facility. I worked at a TRACON with a terrible facility attitude and I hated it. I'm currently working at a tower-only facility with a group of amazing people, and I absolutely love it. ↑ 199 Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 21
    bromosabeach. 16 hr. ago California tech startup. Office near the beach, coworkers were all super chill, regular company happy hours/parties. Last fridays we got off like half day, which we just ended up taking to our local bar to hang. Benefits were great too: reimbursed gym, unlimited vacation, matched 401k. 151 Reply Share ●●● nosmelc 15 hr. ago That sounds good. I've heard some tech startups can try to work you to death. ↑ 43 ↓ Reply Share ●●●
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 22
    Loud-Restaurant-9513 · 15 hr. ago Machinist. I was given easy to understand training. The people I work with are great. Managers aren't . And I'm left the F alone and not micromanaged. ↑ 75 ↓ Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 23
    ashhammette · 16 hr. ago I'm a crime/investigative analyst for a police department (well I was but now I'm in supervision). It can be really interesting and fun, without the actual danger of being an officer on the street. Unfortunately not a lot of people even know the field exists. 204 Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 24
    True_Actuator317 - 15 hr. ago I was an English teacher in Korea for 6 months. I was young but the students still treated me with respect. I loved that job and I loved living in Korea. Reply Share 128 soupdumplingsagain · 15 hr. ago I used to drink at a bar in Hongdae district when I was stationed there. Lots of UK/US expats teaching English. Good times! ↑ 22 ↓ Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 25
    GoAgainKid 16 hr. ago I run a YouTube channel. I work 60-80 hours a week and earn way less than when I worked for someone else, but I love what I do and will never work for anybody else again! ↑ 287 ↓ Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 26
    colnago82 16 hr. ago Self employed. My boss is the best! ↑ 117 ↓ Reply Share Headoutdaplane · 15 hr. ago Hey I am self employed too! My boss, to be honest, is just kinda "meh" 45 Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 27
    AllInOneDay 16 hr. ago . Working on video games. 99% of the ppl I worked with were awesome. ↑ 46 ↓ Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 28
    GG-man77 16 hr. ago I'm in high school and work with a guy that owns and manages airbnb and verbo properties. I just put furniture together and move stuff and run errands and things. I enjoy putting stuff together and my boss is a interesting guy whose teaching me a lot. Overall, it's gives me a break from school and i get paid while i'm at it so pretty enjoyable. 308 Reply Share ↑ 110 ●●● dancindaveph 15 hr. ago Learn absolutely EVERYTHING you can from him. Reply Share ●●●
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 29
    a3a4b5 16 hr. ago I'm an ESL teacher. It's cool and fun, I like doing it. Only downside is the pay, the hours and students that don't make an effort. 82 Reply Share ●●● lotusblossom60 16 hr. ago Taught for 41 years. The retirement pay is great. That's the part most people forget about. 30 ↓ Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 30
    geekchick65 16 hr. ago 911 operator and dispatcher. Loved it and cried the day I retired (happy and sad tears). I learned so much about people, made great friends, honed several skills, and always felt like I helped someone get through a terrible day by being compassionate, listening and sending help when needed. ↑ 40 ↓ Reply Share ●●●
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 31
    ForestQueenYukiko · 15 hr. ago Ski Lift Operator! We have summer Operations as well. I worked my way up to managing my department but I love just about everyday that I'm here. Every year I probably only have 10 bad days at the most 42 Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 32
    BennyC023 15 hr. ago Bartending. Make more than the average American on only 4 days a week. It's fun too, get paid to make drinks and hang out with people 38 Reply Share ●●●
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 33
    twiddlepipper 14 hr. ago I used to own a nightclub in Hong Kong for a while - loved that job and then 7 years ago when I was 53 I became a Forest School Teacher and I absolutely love being outdoors teaching kids how to use knives, tools, light fires, ID trees and plants and build dens and make bows and arrows and how to do backwoods cooking. I'll do this until the day I die, just to hear a kid say, Wow, this is better than an Ipad. (said to me 2 days ago). Oh, and I get paid! ↑ 38 ↓ Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 34
    az Phreedom1 10 hr. ago Been a garbage man for the past 15 years now, last 12 years with the same company. The only job that I've had in my 56 years that I can say that I love. I drive an FEL truck, the kind with forks that dumps the large dumpsters you see at businesses. 4 day work week, Tues-Fri, so a 3 day weekend every week, good pay and benefits and very rarely have to get out of the truck. Don't get dirty or smelly and basically ride around listening to my podcasts and audiobooks all day.
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 35
    Angelwithashotgun4 16 hr. ago I like my current job. I work at a daycare and I love spending all day with the babies and then being able to give them back to their parents 81 ↓ Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 36
    nochaossoundsboring 14 hr. ago I currently work at a used book store I genuinely love it, my boss is a hippie from San Francisco, he and the manager put my safety above customers It hurts to think I worked so many jobs before and was treated like garbage when that's not how it should be ↑ 61 ↓ Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 37
    justduett 16 hr. ago . In college, I worked at Sam Goody and had the greatest crew I worked with. It was always a fun time, we all got along really well and spent lots of time together outside of work. It has been decades (okay, that's gross to realize) since that time and many of us still stay in touch, etc. ↑ 25 ↓ Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 38
    Jer_Diamond 15 hr. ago I'm not going to share details but I had a remote job that reported directly to the CEO, no direct reports to me, and the company made an industry leading product that was gobbling up market share with virtually every salesperson crushing their quota. And I never had an official performance review. It was like the corporate version of being in DJ Khaled's entourage. ↑ 23 ↓ Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 39
    mrskbh 13 hr. ago Hairdresser in nursing homes and assisted living. Loads of fun for many years. Some sadness as well, but that goes with the job. ↑ 16 Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 40
    0444440 SSGSEVIER54 · 16 hr. ago As a teenager I worked at a small town pizza place and I don't remember ever hating a single thing about it. Worked there every summer break during college too. Great times. ↑ 15 ↓ Reply Share
    via u/GMEBagholder420
  • 41
    Kyle______ 15 hr. ago Delivering pizza. I did this part time when I was in high school. By far the most fun anyone can have at work. The stories, the things / places I saw......oh man it was amazing. ↑ 15 ↓ Reply Share ●●●
    via u/GMEBagholder420

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

jobs good job work stories job workplace stories reddit coworkers askreddit workplace workplace stories construction workers askreddit jobs
Scroll Down For The Next Article